Why Armenia Chose India’s Su-30MKI Over Russian Jets

A quiet yet powerful shift is underway in the skies over the South Caucasus. According to recent defence reports, Armenia is preparing to sign a landmark defence agreement with India to acquire Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Su-30MKI multirole fighter jets.

This monumental deal — valued between $2.5 and $3 billion USD — will not only mark India’s first-ever export of newly built combat aircraft, but also stand as Armenia’s largest arms procurement in modern history.

It’s more than just a sale; it’s a signal — of Armenia’s strategic pivot away from Russian dependency, and India’s rise as a global defence exporter.

Details of the Deal

Sources indicate that negotiations between Armenia’s Ministry of Defence and HAL have reached advanced stages.

The initial package includes 8 to 12 Su-30MKI fighters, alongside pilot training, ground support systems, spares, and long-term maintenance infrastructure. Deliveries are expected to begin by late 2027, with full completion by 2029, aligning with HAL’s current Su-30MKI production schedule for the Indian Air Force.

For Armenia — whose current air force lacks a modern multirole fighter — this acquisition promises a transformational boost in aerial deterrence, reconnaissance, and strike capabilities.

Indian Technology, Russian Design

The Armenian variant of the Su-30MKI will blend Russian airframe design with Indian-developed avionics and sensors under the “Make in India” initiative.

Among the expected systems are:

DRDO’s Uttam AESA Radar– providing superior target-tracking and situational awareness.

Astra Mk-1 and Mk-2 Beyond-Visual-Range Missiles – extending air dominance capabilities.

Indigenous Electronic Warfare Suites – enhancing survivability against radar and missile threats.

These enhancements will give the Armenian Air Force the ability to counter modern threats, particularly Azerbaijan’s newly acquired JF-17C Block-III fighters from Pakistan.

India’s Super Sukhoi Program: Transforming the Backbone of the IAF

Interestingly, this export deal comes at a time when India itself is upgrading its Su-30MKI fleet under the ambitious “Super Sukhoi” modernization program.

Launched recently, this program aims to transform nearly 200 Su-30MKIs — about 75% of the fleet — into advanced 4.7-generation fighters.

Each aircraft will be equipped with:

AI-assisted glass cockpits for better pilot situational awareness.

State-of-the-art electronic warfare and countermeasure systems.

Virupaksha AESA radar, a cutting-edge indigenous sensor system.

Enhanced weapon integration, including next-gen air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions.

This massive modernization drive ensures that the Su-30MKI remains India’s frontline fighter well into the 2050s, bridging the gap between current-generation aircraft and future platforms like Tejas Mk-II and the AMCA stealth fighter.

Su-30MKI: The Backbone of Indian Air Power

Jointly developed by Russia’s Sukhoi and India’s HAL, the Su-30MKI is the workhorse of the Indian Air Force, with over 270 units currently in service.

Key Features of the Su-30MKI

Twin-engine, twin-seat multirole configuration for versatility and endurance.

Thrust-vectoring nozzles for extreme maneuverability.

Payload capacity exceeding 8,000 kg, carrying a mix of precision-guided munitions.

Combat radius of over 1,500 km, extendable with aerial refueling.

Capability to perform air superiority, deep-strike, and maritime missions.

These features make the Su-30MKI not just a fighter — but a strategic air asset capable of dominating regional airspace.

Strategic Significance

For Armenia, the Su-30MKI deal represents a historic leap in air power, diversifying its defence partnerships beyond Russia and strengthening its deterrent posture amid regional tensions.

For India, it signals a major stride in defence exports, positioning HAL and DRDO as global suppliers of high-performance military technology.

If finalized, this agreement will mark the most ambitious air force modernization effort in Armenia since the Soviet era— and the start of a new era of Indo-Armenian defence cooperation.

In essence:

While India upgrades its own fleet into Super Sukhois, Armenia prepares to take flight with one of the world’s most versatile and battle-proven multirole fighters — the Su-30MKI, proudly made in India.